At the end of April, we participated in a day of presentation and field tests of the brand new DVA from the brand Nivia, organized at Grands Montets. A highly anticipated product as it offers a rather different approach from the classic DVAs currently on the market.
On paper, the Nivia remains a “classic” three-antenna DVA, but it also incorporates a guidance system using GPS and a 3D representation of the search area. The objective is clear: to simplify the search phase and make guidance more intuitive, especially for less experienced practitioners or those under the stress of a real situation.
In practice, the operation differs quite significantly from traditional DVAs. Where current devices generally require following variations in distance and magnetic flux that are sometimes not very intuitive, the Nivia seeks to guide the rescuer in a much more direct way. In our various exercises, the device indeed led us almost “in a straight line” to the victim. When the terrain allows, it becomes possible to move quickly without constantly having to interpret the usual changes in direction.
The approach is particularly interesting in the final phases of the search. Once in the immediate vicinity of the victim, a symbol clearly appears on the screen to confirm the location. The whole gives a feeling of use that is smoother and more natural than with a classic three-antenna DVA.
Beyond the simple technological aspect, it is especially the potential in stressful situations that seemed interesting to us. In a real rescue, the ability to limit hesitations and interpretation errors can save valuable time. On this point, the system developed by Nivia seems truly promising.
However, not everything was perfect during this first handling. During a final exercise, the system proved to be a bit too sensitive to certain surrounding parasitic signals, momentarily disrupting the guidance. The development teams told us they are already working on various software adjustments to further secure the device’s behavior in this type of situation.
(Photos : ©SimonGerard)
It should also be remembered that a DVA, even more intuitive, does not replace training and practice. The Nivia clearly simplifies certain aspects of the search, but still requires a learning phase to be used correctly and to understand its operating logic.
This first presentation left us with a very positive impression. The concept brings something truly new to a sector where developments often remain quite limited from one generation to the next. It now remains to be seen how the system will evolve by the time it is marketed and especially how it will perform in more complex and varied scenarios.
We will participate in new tests this fall to evaluate the improvements made to the system and we will obviously keep you informed of the developments for this particularly promising DVA.
